Vitiligo Treatment Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Market Overview

Global Vitiligo Treatment Market reached USD 1.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 2.1 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031. The global vitiligo treatment market has witnessed significant growth and transformations over the years, with various factors influencing its dynamics such as increasing prevalence, rising clinical trials, and others.

Government investments in better treatment will continue to drive and boost the global vitiligo treatment market. The global vitiligo treatment industry is placing increasing emphasis on sustainable practices to reduce its impact. 

The corticosteroids from the treatment type segment are expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period and in some situations, corticosteroids are considered as first-line treatment. Similarly, North America dominates the vitiligo treatment market, capturing the largest market share owing to the region’s favorable reimbursement policies, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and presence of major players. 

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Vitiligo is a common disorder, affecting between 0.5 percent and 1 percent of the population worldwide. However, many cases may not be reported, and some researchers suggest the condition may affect up to 1.5 percent of the population. While the condition may be more noticeable in dark-skinned people, it occurs with similar frequency in all ethnic groups.

Owing to the increasing prevalence of vitiligo, growing awareness, rising clinical trials, increasing demand for novel therapeutics, increasing adoption of personalized medicines, and advancements in treatment options are the major factors expected to drive the global vitiligo treatment market over the forecast period.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Increasing Demand for Novel Therapeutics Drives the Growth of the Vitiligo Treatment Market

There is an increasing demand for novel therapeutics, which is expected to drive the global market over the forecast period. The currently available vitiligo treatments and therapeutics are not effective for all patients, and there is also a need for new therapies and therapeutics that can achieve better and enhanced treatment results. Novel therapeutics aim to address the unmet needs associated with vitiligo treatment by providing alternative or complementary treatment options.

For instance, on June 16, 2023, AVITA Medical, Inc., a regenerative medicine company leading the development and commercialization of first-in-class devices and autologous cellular therapies for skin restoration, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its application for premarket approval of its RECELL System for the treatment of vitiligo.

Moreover, the ongoing research activities on vitiligo enhance the treatment opportunities with better patient outcomes and the development of innovative treatment approaches have led to the discovery of potential novel therapeutic options such as topical agents, oral agents, and better medical devices for enhanced treatment. These advancements increase the way for the introduction of novel drugs and devices with different mechanisms of action.

Rising Regulatory Approvals and Clinical Trials Also Drive the Growth of the Vitiligo Treatment Market

There is a continuous ongoing clinical trials and regulatory approvals, expected to drive the market share over the forecast period, by building trust in patients about the safety and efficacy of the therapeutics. The positive results from clinical trials can boost the investor confidence and patient trust in the usage of medicines for vitiligo treatment. This increased confidence can attract funding for further research and development and conduct more clinical trials, allowing companies to invest in more innovative therapeutics and driving the market.

For instance, on January 02, 2023, Pune-based startup Ahammune Biosciences completed the phase 1 clinical trials of its investigational new drug- AB1001, being developed as a topical therapy for vitiligo. The successful completion of Phase 1 of the molecule brings a much-wanted treatment closer to the patients. 

The increasing regulatory approvals for new vitiligo treatments, such as drugs, medical devices, or procedures, improve the range of therapeutic options available to patients and healthcare providers. This treatment expansion choice can increase the market growth as it meets the needs of individuals who not have responded well to existing therapeutics. The regulatory approvals such as FDA approvals also increase the patient's trust in the usage of the therapeutics. 

For instance, on July 18, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ruxolitinib (Opzelura) cream 1.5 percent as a treatment for the most common form of vitiligo. Opzelura is a topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor currently approved for the topical short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised patients 12 years of age and older, whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.

Increasing Awareness On Vitiligo and Their Associated Treatments Drive the Growth of the Vitiligo Treatment Market

The increasing awareness about vitiligo and its associated treatment options is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. Public awareness about skin conditions such as vitiligo and other skin-related diseases is continuously raising due to the several environmental factors. Vitiligo is a rare disease that can occur in about 1% or a little more of the population throughout the world. It can happen to all genders and ethnic groups and generally affects the age group between 20 and 30.

For instance, every year on 25th June, World Vitiligo Day is observed with the aim of increasing the effort for vitiligo healthcare and education and raising awareness of the social stigma and mental challenges faced by those affected by vitiligo.

Risks Associated with the Use of Corticosteroids Will Hamper the Market's Growth

There are major risks associated with the long-term usage of corticosteroids, which are expected to hamper the market growth over the forecast period. This long-term use of corticosteroids, especially at high doses or topical agents on thin skin areas, can lead to skin thinning also known as atrophy, and increased risk of other skin disorders. This can be a concern to the patients, particularly when treating sensitive skin areas such as the face or other parts. 

Furthermore, corticosteroids can also cause the occurrence of the stretch marks on the visible skin in some patients who are continuously using the corticosteroid creams and other topical agents. This may results in a concern for patients, particularly when using corticosteroids on visible areas of the body.

Stringent Pricing of the Treatment Will Also Hampers the Market Growth

The stringent treatment costs are expected to hamper the market share over the forecast period. High pricing can limit the access for many vitiligo patients seeking better and curable treatment, especially for people with limited insurance coverage. The high cost makes patients unaffordable for the proper curable treatment. This can results in the hampering the market growth over the forecast period.

The high treatment costs also hamper the research activities and clinical trials for novel therapeutics. Even among patients who initially start treatment, high costs may lead to reduced treatment adherence. This can result in suboptimal outcomes, as consistent and continuous treatment is often necessary for the best results in managing vitiligo.

Segment Analysis

The global vitiligo treatment market is segmented based on disease type, treatment type, end-user, and region.

The Corticosteroids from the Treatment Segment Accounted for Approximately 36.7% of the Vitiligo Treatment Market Share

Corticosteroids are considered as first-line treatment for the treatment of vitiligo, expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. Corticosteroids are very potent anti-inflammatory agents used in the treatment of the vitiligo. The inflammation that occurs in vitiligo is believed to contribute to the destruction of melanocytes, leading to depigmentation in vitiligo situation. Corticosteroids also helps to reduce this inflammation, potentially slowing the progression of the disease and creating a more favorable environment for repigmentation.

For instance, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), topical corticosteroids, either potent (betamethasone valerate) or very potent (clobetasol propionate), are considered first-line therapy for vitiligo. The sun-exposed areas have a better response to treatment, while acral regions generally exhibit a poor response.

Moreover, their wide availability, acceptability, and, ease of application helps to hold the largest market share. The corticosteroids can also be used in combination with other treatments, such as phototherapy or calcineurin inhibitors, to enhance their effectiveness. The combination of corticosteroids with the calcineurin inhibitors shows enhanced results. These combining treatments are considered especially in cases where a single treatment modality may not be sufficient.

Geographical Penetration

North America Accounted for Approximately 37.8% of the Market Share in 2022, Owing to the Strong Presence of Major Players and Favourable Reimbursement Policies

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to the strong presence of major players, advanced healthcare infrastructure such as dermatology clinics, hospitals, research centers, and others, and favorable reimbursement policies. North America especially the United States and Canada is home to many pharmaceutical and medical device companies, increased clinical trials, research activities, and regulatory approvals such as FDA approvals for vitiligo therapeutics are seen in the region.

For instance, on May 15, 2023, STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc., a medical technology company dedicated to developing, commercializing, and marketing innovative products for the treatment of dermatologic conditions, announced that it has entered into an exclusive, three-year agreement with Spectra Medical India Pvt Ltd., a distribution company representing medical laser and aesthetic equipment manufacturers, for the distribution of TheraClearX, VTRAC, and XTRAC. They also announced they are expanding into the acne, psoriasis, and vitiligo market with Spectra Medical. 

Furthermore, North America offers favorable reimbursement policies to vitiligo patients for effective treatment. The improved insurance coverage offers the better treatment for many patients at affordable costs, leading to the market dominance in the region.

Major Key Players

The major global players in the vitiligo treatment market include Kernel Medical Equipment Co., Ltd, CLINUVEL PHARMACEUTICALS LTD., Incyte Corporation, Clarify Medical, Inc., Dermavant Sciences, Strata Skin Sciences, Ra Medical Systems, Puneet Laboratories Pvt. Ltd, VYNE Therapeutics Inc, and Elixiron Immunotherapeutics Inc, among others. 

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 created unprecedented challenges for pharmaceutical industries worldwide, including the global vitiligo treatment market. During the pandemic, many clinical trials, research activities, and regulatory approvals have been temporarily postponed due to the redirected focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions.

The onset of the pandemic in early 2020 led to widespread lockdowns and restrictions, impacting regular skin care check-ups, appointments, and consultations worldwide. Many hospitals are focused on the COVID-19 cases, this reduced the skin care related treatments including the vitiligo treatment.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted global supply chains, impacting the transportation of raw materials of vitiligo-related therapeutics and medical devices. Movement restrictions and border closures delayed shipments and caused drug transportation delays. Additionally, some countries faced shortages of drugs for treatment due to disruptions in their supply chain networks.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is estimated to have a moderate impact on the global vitiligo treatment market. Many clinical trials and research activities are temporarily disrupted. The conflict has less impact mainly due to the low prevalence and absence of key market players in this region. 

Moreover, the impact of the import and export of raw materials such as vitiligo therapeutics and medical devices is expected to have little influence over the global vitiligo treatment market growth over the forecast period.

By Disease Type

• Generalized or Non-Segmental Vitiligo
• Segmental Vitiligo

By Treatment Type

• Corticosteroids
• Calcineurin Inhibitors
• Light Therapy
• Photochemotherapy (Combining Psoralen and Light Therapy)
• Depigmentation
• Surgery 
• Skin Grafting
• Blister Grafting
• Cellular Suspension Transplant 
• Others

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Dermatology Clinics
• Aesthetic Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• On August 02, 2023, Uniza Healthcare launched Aurelius, Gold, and Collagen Serum Mask to strengthen its evolving dermatology range. South Korean brand, Aurelius is launched first time in India in an exclusive tie-up with Uniza Healthcare and will be available on doctor's prescription only. The company has launched over 15 products in the dermatology segment including Amrofast (antifungal cream), Schones (Hair Serum), Vitellus (Vitiligo management), Unimyco (antifungal tablets), Unizuva (Cholesterol management), Ironergy (Anaemia treatment), Pregafem (Hormone for Pregnancy support) & Unipuff (Antiasthmatic) and others.
• On October 03, 2022, Incyte announced that the company has entered into an agreement to acquire Villaris Therapeutics, an asset-centric biopharmaceutical company seeded by Medicxi and focused on the development of novel antibody therapeutics for vitiligo. Its lead asset, auremolimab (VM6), an anti-IL-15Rβ monoclonal antibody (mAb), is expected to enter clinical development.

DataM Intelligence Opinion:

According to the DataM Intelligence, the vitiligo treatment market experiencing the rapid growth in recent years and is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to its increasing prevalence and novel therapeutic innovations for better patient outcomes. Many innovative treatment options are going to develop in the coming years by reducing the adverse effects and for effective treatment. Moreover, many clinical trials and research activities are still going on for novel therapeutics, which is expected to growth of the global vitiligo treatment market in the upcoming years.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global vitiligo treatment market segmentation based on disease type, treatment type, end-user, and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of vitiligo treatment market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global vitiligo treatment market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 58 figures, and 186 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies

For more Pharmaceutical related reports, please click here